Journal of Environmental Biology

Bridging yield gaps in Brassica napus L. through cluster frontline demonstrations in south-western region of Punjab

K.S. Matharu¹*, S. Anand¹ and P. Singh²     

¹Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Moga), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

²Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Faridkot), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

Received: 07 October 2025                   Revised: 03 February 2026                   Accepted: 15 April 2026

*Corresponding Author Email: ksmatharu@pau.edu                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6819-185X

Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was conducted to study the impact of cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) on production of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.) in two clusters of Faridkot district of Punjab by Krishi Vigyan Kendra.The main objective was to find technology and extension gaps in adoption of technology in rapeseed mustard.

Methodology: The CFLDs were laid out in adopted villages of two clusters of Faridkot district for two consecutive rabi seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23). Infrontline demonstration, improved variety of gobhi sarson, i.e., GSC 7 was sown as per recommendations in PAU's Package of Practices for rabi crops in Punjab.

Results: The mean frontline demonstration yield was 16.1 q ha^-1 and 16.3 q ha^-1 which were 5.9% and 5.1% higher than farmer’s field yield (15.2 q ha^-1 and 15.5 q ha^-1) during rabi seasons 2021-22 and 2022-23. The mean technology gap (6.2 q ha^-1, 6.0 q ha^-1), extension gap (1.0 q ha^-1, 0.9 q ha^-1) and technology index (27.8, 26.9) were observed during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The higher value of technology index could be due to heat stress conditions during 2021-22. The net returns from frontline demonstration plots were 28.5% and 16.4% higher than farmer’s field with 2.0 and 2.2 benefit cost ratio giving additional returns of Rs 11167.5 and Rs 6564 during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.

Interpretation: Adoption of PAU’s package of practices can help in adapting weather extremes like heat stress. Region specific package of practices should be prepared in line with weather variability and yield gaps.

Key words: CFLD, Extension gap, Net return, Rapeseed, Technology gap, Technology index

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